Things I've learned as a mom...

I feel like being a mom has really opened my eyes to a few things:

1. I can't control much other than how much I love my kids.

2. I can't protect them only teach them.

3. I would much rather look like crap and have my hair be a mess-if it means that my kids were played with and having fun.

4. I can be a mom and still have a life. :)

5. I can sleep when they're 18.

6. I don't have to be perfect, I just need to love my kids!

I know these seem really simple, but sometimes it feels like I forget some of these things that make life easier. I am so blessed and I love my kids so much!

I've been thinking a lot lately about Owen and how much his autism affects my daily life, (I worry about him, meetings, things like that) and I feel like I need to thank my Heavenly Father every day for him and the fact that I get to be his mom. Every little milestone feels like such a big deal and I love feeling like he is progressing and learning and most importantly happy.

I remember how hard it all was in the beginning and how hard it still is sometimes wondering if he'll continue to be happy and go on and do all the things we want for him, but we're getting there. He is happy and for now, that is the most important thing for me. I am so grateful for Owen and Will. I love their sweet little personalities. I love that when I get up at 3:00 in the morning, seeing that sweet little face just warms my heart. We are so blessed and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father trusts me with these sweet sweet boys.

My new niece

My sister Diana, had a sweet little girl earlier this month and I of course got some cute pictures of her. They named her Ali Lois Jenkins and she is so little! After Will growing up so fast, I forgot they are that little.

Boys love to play!

Family Reunion Part 4 (Last one)

Last, but not least...Jesse, Debbie and sweet little Evelyn. They all live in Boise, but I keep trying to convince them to live next door. We have so much fun with them. Debbie has been my shoulder to cry on and Jesse and I tease each other like brother and sister. And as you can tell, Evie is gorgeous! I love getting to see these guys and I am so grateful for them.

Family Reunion Part 3

This is Heidi, Justin and their kids; Morgan and Ivie. Heidi and I worked together before Zac and I were married and we had a blast. They have been so good to our family and we couldn't love them more. Ivie is a huge help with not only her brother, but with all the kids. They are an amazing family and we are blessed to be together as often as we can. Love them!

Family Reunion Part 2

These pictures are mostly of Zac's sister, Kandace and her husband John and their kids; Johnny, Isaac, Sabina, Mallory and Penelope. I love them so much! We have so much fun with them. They're the kind of people that would do anything for anyone. They are just good like that. The kids are a blast and Kandace and John are so fun to talk to! We are lucky to have them close and so we get to see them a little more often and we love it when we all get together. They are always so helpful with our kiddos too. We had a lot of fun with them at the cabin!

Family Reunion Part 1

So, we recently had a reunion and I shocked everyone and took a million pictures. :) Well, I decided to post the trip in a few multiple parts highlighting each family one at a time. I thought I would start with the Wood family. This is Zac's sister Emilee and her husband Vinson and their kids; Joseph, Caleb, Ian, Quinn and Seth. They aren't living close by and so it is always a treat when we get to see them. They are a blast and we really enjoyed seeing them. The kids were adorable (as you can tell), they just loved all the babies and giving them hugs and kisses. We miss them already and I LOVE them!